Pakistan’s domestic cricket structure continued to strengthen in 2025 with a clear focus on youth development and performance-based progression.
Reflecting on key initiatives, Director of Domestic Cricket Operations Abdullah Khurram Niazi mentioned that 2025 marked a landmark year for youth cricket.
“For the first time, school cricket was introduced across Pakistan and played on different tiers,” he said, explaining that the pathway now connects school cricket at U15 to U17 levels to U19, first-class cricket, Pakistan Shaheens and ultimately the national team. “Our entire pyramid is connected with purpose and clarity.”
National-level tournaments for age groups were complemented by training camps. At the same time, senior cricket featured active club competitions, successful inter-district events, the Hanif Mohammad Trophy, the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, and departmental tournaments, with over 28 departments participating at the Grade-II level.
Director Domestic said the shift to a performance-based system, aligned with Chairman PCB Mohsin Naqvi’s vision, delivered encouraging results. “We have moved away from a culture-based system towards performance, and the response has been very positive.”
He also termed live-streaming and broadcast of domestic competitions a breakthrough. “For the first time, key domestic tournaments were live-streamed, allowing stakeholders to closely monitor player quality.”
Looking ahead, he revealed plans to establish 16 regional academies, alongside strict fitness benchmarks across age groups, regional and departmental cricket. “Only players who meet minimum fitness standards are allowed to compete,” he said.
Abdullah Khurram emphasised the PCB’s holistic approach through the National Cricket Academy and high-performance centres, benefiting players, officials and support staff. “Domestic cricket is improving with every season, with one clear goal to take Pakistan cricket to the top.”
